Some Eastern Washington Lawmakers Against Raising Smoking Age to 21

While some GOP legislators and Democrats support the idea of raising the smoking age to 21, others oppose it.  The future of these bills is uncertain.

Democrat Rep. Tina Orwall of DesMoines is the primary sponsor of the House version of the bill, that would require people to be 21 to use any tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.

GOP Rep. Shelly Short of Addy, WA also supports this bill, as do some other GOP members. According to data provided by the National Institute of Medicine, 90% of smokers surveyed said they started before age 19. The study was done last March.

Officials who support it say by raising to 21, they would lower the overall number of those who turn to smoking.

However, Senator Michael Baumgarner of Spokane (GOP), says he wants more information and data before he decides if he will support the Senate version. Influential House member Joe Schmick of Colfax, who is on the House Committee on Health and Wellness, opposes the bill.  He believes there's enough information out there for people to make an educated decision on whether they should take up smoking with the risks associated with it.